EXPLORERS PROGRAM
Lead The Future Of Public Service Talent
Founders Sponsorship institutions host a fully supported, co-branded Explorers Program which is a selective, three-day accelerator that places your university at the center of a national public service network.
PPIA partners on recruitment, programming framework, alumni integration, and post-Explorers engagement, while your faculty and institutes shape the intellectual direction of the experience.
The result is a high-visibility, high-impact convening that elevates your leadership in global affairs and strengthens early engagement with future graduate applicants.
Exclusive Hosting. National Visibility. Long-Term Pipeline Advantage.
You gain early access to motivated students, national amplification across PPIA’s network, and a differentiated platform that positions your institution as a gateway to public service leadership.
Live Example
Illustrative Website Concept
This page represents a proposed front-facing recruitment site for the Explorers Program. Content and dates are illustrative and demonstrate the type of co-branded student experience we would build and distribute across PPIA’s national channels.
Powered by the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Program
EXPLORERS
PROGRAM
A Three-Day National Policy Leadership Experience at Notre Dame's Keogh School of Global Affairs
February 6 - 8, 2026
Think Like a Global Policy Leader
Join a fast-paced, supportive experience where you’ll tackle real-world global challenges through simulations, workshops, and a capstone project
Where & When
Notre Dame's Keogh School of Global Affairs
February 6 - 8, 2026
Notre Dame, Indiana
Who It's For
Students exploring public service and global affairs
What You'll Do
Negotiation + policy problem-solving + teamwork
What You'll Gain
Skills, clarity, mentors, and a national network
Inside The Experience
High-level, student-friendly, and specific enough to picture yourself in the room
Why Global Affairs Matters
Kick off with a keynote and panels that connect global challenges to real careers in public service, peace-building, development, and governance
Negotiation + Simulation
Role-play multilateral negotiations and tackle global issues like climate resilience, migration, and inequality in a supportive, coached environment
Capstone + Next Steps
Present a team solution to a global policy challenge, then get guidance on internships, fellowships, graduate school pathways, and PPIA’s post-program support
Featured Notre Dame Faculty Speakers
You learn about global policy and engage with Keogh Global Affairs faculty shaping peace building, development, and governance through research and real-world practice
Mary Gallagher
Dean & Keynote
Policy, Ethics & Global Leadership
Asher Kaufman
Director, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies
Negotiation, Mediation & Peace Building
Tracy Kijewski-Correa
Director, Pulte Institute for Global Development
Global Development, Climate Resilience, Human-Centered Solutions
Who Should Apply
If you’re curious about public service, global affairs, or graduate study and want an experience that helps you clarify what’s next, the Explorer Program is for you
You'll Explore "The Why"
You care about global challenges and want to understand where you fit in, and what “impact” can look like in real life.
You're Building Your Toolkit
You want practical skills: evidence-based thinking, negotiation, leadership, and communicating solutions
You're Mapping Your Next Step
You’re considering internships, fellowships, or graduate school and want guidance and a network to support you
